An iconic building recently restored to its former glory was awarded a blue plaque to recognise its cultural impact in June 2011.
The former Crescent Hotel in Ilkley on the corner of Leeds Road and Brook Street was constructed in 1860 with 30 bedrooms and stabling for 20 horses. Last month, following a major refurbishment project, the building re-opened as a French restaurant, pub and with rooms and separate apartments.
Built in 1860 by the Dean brothers, it was probably designed by Bradford architect Samuel Jackson.
It opened in May 1861, offering accommodation and fine dining, billiards and extensive stabling around the yard.
It had considerable grounds with a bowling green and archery butts and was the venue for the Middleton land sales from 1867 to 1875, while the Ilkley Motor Club was founded there in 1911.
The hotel was put up for sale in 1897 and the Sales particulars give a view of the hotel at that time.
The full list of owners and managers has not been documented yet, however we know in 1903 the manager was A.M. Shackleton, in 1931 the resident manageress was Mrs B. Heape and in 1938 the Proprietor was E. Waddington. By 1966 the hotel was part of The Crest chain.
“It was popular for wedding breakfasts, formal dinners and many local clubs and organisations had meetings and annual dinners there,” a spokesman for the civic society said.
“The tradesmen’s Black Hats and White Hats cricket teams often had their dinners there after the cricket match on the-then neighbouring cricket ground off Railway Road.
“Over the years it has hosted many local meetings and events for the Ilkley Literature Festival.”
As the old brochure for the hotel from about 1939 shows the building has been renovated previously. Recently the building has been renovated and converted in a project led by Shipley architects Halliday Clark Ltd, including the apartments, the Crescent Inn pub and Le Bistrot Pierre restaurant, and a ground floor retail unit. Robert Angell Design Studio Ltd of London were closely involved in the interior fit out/specification for Le Bistrot Pierre.
John Whitehead, a director of chain Le Bistrot Pierre who are sponsoring the plaque alongside the civic society, said he was delighted at how the renovation had gone at the landmark building.
“We've managed to bring the building back to its former glory,” he said. “The response has been great. We made a conscious decision being in Yorkshire and Ilkley to really focus on its heritage.”
I bought the old heavy doors from The Crescent at the Ilkley Auction Rooms in the 1990s. The glass panes in the doors were obviously specially commissioned because they have a crescent moon and stars design using glass cutting and etching techniques. The design seems to be Art Deco so probably commissioned in the 1920s. I suspect they will be from a major glassmaker like Whitefriars. I would love to know more about them and I think there may be some clues in the old brochures you mention. I have repurposed the glass in the door in my hallway. I will gladly supply a picture if it is of any interest. My name is Alan Burke and my email address is: alanburke03gmail.com.
Regards
Alan
Alan, sorry for taking so long to replay. I will ask around and see if we can find out more. The picture of the glass would be of interest – would you allow me to add to the web page write up?